Van Gogh's "Starry Night"--Dean H.

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This is acrylic on gessoed paper in moleskin book...5 1/2 x 16 in. Also used a bit of ink work plus color pencil...Mixed media.

This is my contribution to Dana's book. She selected a dream theme. For a long while, I had no idea what to paint...until I slept on it, that is...Lol.

I don't know exactly what led me to think of "Starry Night" but as I read up on it, and Van Gogh, I knew this was a great solution to the dream theme.
The following is some interesting information and quotes that tie it all together...
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Van Gogh painted Starry Night while in an Asylum at Saint-Remy in 1889.

During Van Gogh's younger years (1876-1880) he wanted to dedicate his life to evangelization of those in poverty. Many believe that this religious endeavor may be reflected in the eleven stars of the painting. In Genesis 37:9 the following statement is made:

"And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me."
from Van Gogh Library
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"I dream of painting and then I paint my dream."
Vincent Van Gogh
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"When I have a terrible need of - shall I say the word - religion. Then I go out and paint the stars."
Vincent Van Gogh
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I experience a period of frightening clarity in those moments when nature is so beautiful. I am no longer sure of myself, and the paintings appear as in a dream.
Vincent Van Gogh
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Within a cropped version of "Starry Night" I superimposed a Van Gogh self portrait. The original portrait had anguished eyes and a down turned mouth. I modified it by closing his eyes and giving him a little smile...as in peaceful sleep...the land of a genius' dreams...

I hope you like it Dana!

NFS

Bustin' Loose

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Acrylic on 5x7 hardboard.

Bustin' loose is a rodeo term that refers to the roper...It can also refer to how I felt about doing this painting.

For a change, I didn't gesso the support as I normally do, so the surface was pretty smooth. I started it with colorful random washes...watching how they swirled and puddled on the fairly slick surface. I applied thicker acrylics in some select areas.
I also used a black Faber-Castell Pitt artist pen.
This technique was very freeing and I enjoyed it!

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My Etsy

Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Nearer My God To Thee

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Oil on 5x7 archival canvas panel.

I really related to this scene. The best time of my whole day is when I go outside to my backyard at daybreak and thank the Lord for another beautiful day. Whether it's fair weather, rainy, snowy, or otherwise foul weather, it's still a beautiful day of His creation. A gift to the world.

You may recognize this lady/subject as the same one from the previous post. Well that's because it is. My trusty DVR allowed me to borrow her (Diane Keaton) from the 1981 movie, "Reds".

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My Etsy

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God

The Letter

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Oil on 5x7 archival canvas panel.

I simply thought this was a very intriguing image. It draws me in wondering who the letter may be from...A soldier...a parent...a goodbye note...or "congratulations, you have been pre-approved for"... .

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My Etsy

Proverbs 25:1 A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

The Bandito-Raccoon

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Acrylic on 7x5 hardboard.

This is my submission for the WDE at Wet Canvas. Valri supplied the photo.

I decided to play and experiment with the raccoon. SPCA statement: no raccoons were injured during this painting .

The acrylic was applied in many transparent washes. I used a few strips of masking tape which were painted over in different number of layers. Once removed, there are a few areas that expose the very start of the painting. It has the effect of peeling back various layers. I used it as a compositional devise and also as an interest generator.
As happens most times in nature, the raccoon blends into it's environment. The viewer is often startled when the animal "suddenly" appears within their focus. This is the effect I was after.

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My Etsy

Proverbs 24:11 Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

Tiger Woods-Portrait

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Oil on 5x7 hardboard.

This ref photo is from the first day at the Firestone PGA tournament played in Akron, OH.
It was a rough ride for this golfing icon. His worst showing ever at his fav spot.

I'm fairly happy with how this one came out. I have been stalking the internet artists and picking up bits of knowledge here and there. I try to file them in the "toolbox" in my mind. Hopefully I can call upon them as needed.

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Proverbs 22:1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Beach Comber

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Oil on 5x7 hardboard.


Here's a little shore bird from this week's WDE at Wet Canvas . The reference photo was supplied by Michelle.
I came up with at least three possible names for it...Chevalier Arlequin, Greater Yellow Legs, or Lesser Yellow Legs. ...Ahh...but what difference does it make in the end? I thought it was a great subject.

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My Etsy

Proverbs 22:2 Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all.

Cat-Color

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Oil on 5x7 hardboard.

Color is always a challenge. Whether I'm painting from life or a photograph, I want to expand upon the colors that I see. I don't want to reproduce nature or a photo by carefully matching colors and details...I surely can't do that better than nature or a photo. In other words, that's already been done. I use them merely as a springboard to arrive at where I want my art to be.

My goal is to create an engaging piece of art for the viewer. In keeping with that goal is inventive color and to leave ambiguous areas for the viewer to explore. I realize that's a pretty common piece of knowledge among many of you dear readers. But while it was buzzing around in my gourd, I thought I should catch it and post it here.

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My Etsy

Proverbs 25:21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

Santa Barbara Mission

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This is acrylic on gessoed watercolor paper approx 9.75 x 6.5 in.

Here is my entry for Dominique's moleskin. Her theme is gates...pathways...passages.
I thought this fit her theme perfectly...with the mission and illuminated cross symbolizing the most wonderful journey of all.

Hope you like this one, Dominique, and thank you for inviting me into this wonderful group of the Flying Moleskins.

The image for this painting comes from the A Day Not Wasted painting challenge for July.
It's hosted by a great photographer and artist, Lee Brown...check it out.

NFS

Isaiah 60:20 Your sun will never set again,
and your moon will wane no more;
the LORD will be your everlasting light,
and your days of sorrow will end.